The International Boxing Association (IBA) has disqualified Algerian boxer Imane Khelif and Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting from the 2023 World Championships after a sex chromosome test ruled them ineligible to compete in women’s boxing. The decision has sparked controversy and raised questions about gender eligibility in sports.
The controversy erupted during the Paris Olympics qualifiers when Khelif’s Italian opponent, Irma Testa, withdrew from their bout after less than a minute, citing concerns about Khelif’s physical appearance. The incident ignited a debate about the fairness of allowing athletes with certain physical characteristics to compete in women’s sports.
The IBA, which is currently suspended by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), conducted gender eligibility tests on Khelif and Lin. The results of the tests, which were not disclosed, led to their disqualification from the World Championships.
IBA chief executive Chris Roberts stated that the results of the tests “demonstrated both boxers were ineligible.” However, the IOC has criticized the IBA’s handling of the situation, claiming that the tests were ordered on arbitrary grounds.
IOC President Thomas Bach emphasized that Khelif and Lin “were born as women, raised as women, who have passports as women and who have competed for many years as women.” He questioned the need for the tests and expressed confidence in their eligibility to compete in the Olympics.
The controversy has sparked widespread debate on social media, with prominent figures such as J. K. Rowling and Elon Musk expressing their opposition to the disqualification of Khelif and Lin. Khelif’s father defended his daughter, stating that she had brought honor to their family and that the attacks against her were “immoral.”
The IBA’s decision has raised concerns about the future of gender eligibility in sports. The IOC has stated that it will continue to monitor the situation and ensure that all athletes are treated fairly and with respect.
